These Beaches in Europe Should Be On Your Holiday Radar

1. Marasusa Beach, Tropea, Italy

Located in the “toe” of Italy, Marasusa Beach is a popular beach framed by sheer seaside cliffs and the bright blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

The cliffs are topped with ancient stone structures, including the famous church of Santa Maria dell'Isola. On clear days visitors can catch a glimpse of the beautiful Lipari Islands in the distance.

The beach also offers spectacular views of the volcano Stromboli, and beachgoers frequently see the active dolphin pods that like to play behind the wakes of boats and ships in the glittering sea. Tropea has been recognized as one of the most beautiful beach areas in Europe, ahead of its popular neighbors Ibiza and Sardinia. Map

The beach is 5 hours south of Naples, Italy.

2. Brela, Croatia

Brela, Croatia is a fun tourist town in the Makarska Riviera area of Northern Croatia. Home to around 1,900 people, Brela is split into two parts. The upper part of the town sits near the Biokovo Nature Preserve, while the lower half of the town is nestled against the light blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.

The most popular beach in the area is Punta Rata, which was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Pine trees around the coastline provide beachgoers with plenty of shade on steamy days.

For out-of-town visitors, Brela, Croatia has plenty of hotels, apartments and hostels that are close to the beach. Map

The drive from Split takes under one hour.

3. Cala Goloritze, Sardinia, Italy

Cala Goloritze in Sardinia is one of Italy's most remote and peaceful beaches. Unreachable by car or boat, the only way to access this Sardinian gem is by taking an hour-long hike.

At the beach, visitors enjoy snorkeling in the light blue ocean and relaxing on the bright white sand.

Cala Goloritze was recognized by UNESCO in 1995 for its pristine waters and unique environment, and it has also been named one of the best snorkeling beaches in all of Sardinia. Several other pristine beaches, including Cala Mariolu, Cala Gabbiani, and Pedra Longa are located close by. Map

4. Bantham Beach, England, United Kingdom

Bantham Beach sits at the mouth of the Avon River in South Hams, England. Recognized as one of the best beaches in Europe, Bantham beach offers visitors panoramic views of Bigbury Bay and Burgh Island.

The bay is a prime location for family outings because of its wide, sandy coastline, and surfers regard the area as one of the best places to catch a wave in Devon. The estuary at the Avon River is also an excellent destination for wildlife viewing and taking long walks. There are well-kept footpaths in the area that trace the picturesque coastline. Map

The beach is 4.5 hours from London:

5. Cala Macarella, Menorca, Spain

Cala Macarella is a beautiful beachside area that attracts adventurous travelers from all across the globe. Aside from relaxing on Cala Macarella's white sandy shores, visitors enjoy trekking and horseback riding along the famous Cami de Cavalls path that winds around the island of Menorca.

Water-lovers can cool down while kayaking, jet skiing, windsurfing, sailing, boating or paddleboarding. World-class scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular activities for travelers.

Menorca enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine, so visitors have plenty of chances to catch a game of golf, go paragliding or join a Jeep safari. Map

6. Curonian Spit, Lithuania

The Curonian Spit is part of an area called the Lithuanian Sahara.

Located on a narrow peninsula, the resort town of Neringa is renowned for its quaint fishing homes and stunning natural surroundings.

Rolling sand dunes, thick pine trees and blue waters surround the coastline.

Most activities on the Curonian Spit are centered in Neringa, but visitors can also enjoy hiking the length of the island to see remote beaches and old fishing villages.

The island is quite tourist-friendly, but there aren't nightclubs, chain restaurants or shopping malls. Visitors love the Curonian Spit for its tranquil and laidback atmosphere. Map

7. Studland Bay, Dorset, England

Studland Bay is a beautiful seaside destination in Dorset, England. Located near the village of Studland, the bay is known for its peaceful natural surroundings.

Thousands of visitors flock to Studland during the summer months to enjoy the temperate weather and the four-mile stretch of beach. There are 260 beachside huts that guests can rent for daily, weekly, seasonal or even yearly stays.

For fun, beachgoers enjoy playing beach volleyball, going for long walks along the coastline, or getting out on the water while paddleboarding, kayaking or snorkeling. The beach is open year-round. Map

You can reach the beach in under 3 hours from London.

8. Jaz Beach, Montenegro

Jaz Beach in Montenegro is near the seaside village of Budva, a quiet town founded by the Greeks in the fourth century BC. Budva is part of the 22-mile-long Budva Riviera.

Jaz Beach, a lively and beautiful part of the Budva Riviera, is home to a handful of resorts, restaurants and shops.

There are plenty of places to relax along the pebble sand beach, but guests can also rent pedal boats, kayaks or jet skis for some fun out on the water.

From time to time, the beach hosts festivals and outdoor concerts. Jaz Beach is easy to reach from Tivat, Podgorica and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Map

The beach is 2 hours south of Dubrovnik, Croatia.

9. Lara Beach, Cyprus

Lara Beach sits on the Akamas Peninsula in the Paphos district of Cyprus. This deserted beach is protected as a wildlife sanctuary for green turtles, wild goats and several kinds of birds. The horsehoe-shaped bay is reachable from Pegeia, a nearby village. However, getting to the beach requires a vehicle with four-wheel-drive since the roads are rugged and inhospitable.

Once at the beach, visitors can enjoy miles of golden sands, a brilliant blue sea and some interesting formations along the coastline. Since the area is so far off the beaten path, beachgoers are advised to bring their own umbrellas and food. Map

10. Voutoumi, Anti Paxos, Greece

Voutoumi is a pebble-sand beach on the Greek island of Anti Paxos. Famous for its white sand, clear blue sea and isolated coves, Voutoumi attracts tourists from all around the world. Voutoumi is an excellent spot for swimming, snorkeling and diving, and since it is the largest beach on Anti Paxos, there is plenty of room for all of these activities and more.

Guests can rent out sunbeds on the beach or enjoy a scenic walk to Taverna Bella Vista. Another popular Greek beach, Vrika, is just a 30-minute walk from Voutomi. Voutoumi is also connected to Paxos and Gaios by a small ferry. Map